Page 24 - 2020 Defence White Paper

such as information collection, communication, and positioning. In 2020, Japan
newly formed the Space Operations Squadron under the JASDF and is looking
to expanding the size of this unit and commencing actual operations. For the
strengthening of capabilities in the cyber domain, Japan has reinforced the personnel
in the cyber defense forces and newly organized a cyber defense unit in the JGSDF.
It is also promoting the system connectivity among each JSDF service, collection of
radio wave information, and maintenance of measurement devices.

Russia Russia has been working on defense reforms including structure and
organization reform of the Russian Armed Forces, salary increases
for servicemembers, and the improvement of military housing. Despite worsening
economic conditions due to falling international oil prices and prolonged economic
sanctions by the West, the Russian government is continuing to implement the
national rearmament plan and is carrying out the modernization of is weapons
systems which include the development of hypersonic weapons.
The Russian Ground Forces, with the goal of military modernization, is
establishing new units, modernizing its equipment, and reinforcing its organization
with a focus on reinforcing the mobility and independent operation capabilities
centered on mechanized infantry units and tank units. In 2019, the Ground
Forces created 11 new units including 1 tank unit and is continuing to upgrade
the performance of tanks, armored vehicles and artillery, and field deploy new
equipment while partially implementing a recruitment system to replenish troops.
Externally, Russia is accumulating combat experience by mainly dispatching special

mission forces to battle zones in Syria. Meanwhile, national-level strategic command
staff training and combined training with neighboring countries such as China are
being carried out to strengthen combined and joint operational capabilities.
In 2018, the Russian Navy built three Borei-class strategic nuclear submarines
and is continuing to strengthen its nuclear deterrence capabilities, while continuing
to build new vessels including amphibious assault ships and aircraft carriers. The
Navy is developing advanced asymmetric strategic weapons such as the hypersonic
cruise missile "Zircon", "Kalibre-M", a supersonic cruise missile capable of carrying
nuclear warheads, and the nuclear-powered underwater drone "Poseidon". Externally,
Russia is improving its force projection capability through long-distance open sea
training by the North Sea Fleet and Pacific Fleet as well as regular combined training
with China and India.
The Russian Aerospace Forces is also making efforts for equipment modernization
and advanced aircraft development. For fighters, Russia is developing SU-57 and

22 2020 Defense White Paper